UNDERGROUND

UNDERGROUND

ABOUT UNDERGROUND

The new Underground ranges are collectively inspired by the digital visualisation of the movement of sound. The brands deep musiculture history allows it to reference both early and contemporary sound technology and represent the digitisation of that in the form of sole units and designs.

Sonik is inspired by the digital visualisation of sound and in particular the work of Fred Judd, the British pioneer of electronic music. The vertical sole cleats are representative of sound bar patterns and also mimics familiar Underground sole designsThe resulting footbed sole unit provides a platform for upper designs that combine sharp design aesthetic and technologically superior materials.

NOX marks the first step towards a new generation of Underground products that continues to extend the brand’s prevalence in the domain of bold, androgynous, rebellious design. A hybrid sneaker that incorporates a definite silhouette synonymous with Underground’s identity. Nox is inspired by both the digital representation of the movement of sound & the trend of sneaker culture.For our design studio, the creation of new products that will sit amongst our existing modern classics requires acontinuing reference to the characteristics that define Underground. One of the essential sources forNox was the origins of the brand as a rare sneaker store in 1980’s Manchester. Growing alongside post-punk and Factory records, Undergroundwitnessed many subcultures merge together in between the walls of the Hacienda and under the rhythm ofMadchester and Acid House in the 90s. The brand became part of a united movement, one that would gobeyond traditional and divisive notions of subculture to see kids all united against mainstream culture. It was not about labelling oneself,but creating a world with the youth’s rules, one that would encompass their view on society.The attitude, behaviour and style of the brand are defined by its defiance and unwillingness to blindly comply. For a brand whose origins are seated in limited rare trainers, in the unorthodox, and in serving subcultures, Nox is nu-future Underground.

The Monkey Boot, traditional working mans utilitarian footwear was adopted by a youth looking to make a counter culture statement. One of the original styles stocked by the original Underground store in Manchester, the Monkey Boot is the inspiration for a reworking of the silhouette – the Jungle Boot.The oscillating soundwave sole design creates an oversize cleat and tread that is distinctively Underground and provide a base for clean utilitarian upper designs.